A KNOWN CONDITION

Have you noticed that whatever you are aware of and you set your thoughts on, the importance of that and the intensity of it increases in strength and effect? That's why worry has so much power. The more you think on things that bring you fear and anxiety, the intensity grows.

Case in point.

Many of you know that I have been on a leave of absence from my duties as one of the pastors of our church. The reason is I am suffering from an unknown physical condition that makes me feel like I have the flu each and every day. I have been aware of this condition for nearly a year. I have been tested for arterial blockage, heart abnormality, lung malfunction, Lyme disease, thyroid condition, sleep disorder and on and on the list goes. So far, there is no diagnosis. But each morning I wake up, I am very aware of this sick feeling. And as time goes on, the intensity of this condition seems to have grown.

Naturally, someone might say, the condition is worsening. But I believe that the symptoms are no worse than they were six month ago. What has changed is that I am more aware of the symptoms and have had more time to think about them. I have not only thought about them, I have gone on the internet and researched them, discussed these strange symptoms with my wife, my kids, my friends, my doctors. I have spent an inordinate amount of time trying to figure this thing out. My point is this. The more I think about this crazy condition I have, the more intense these symptoms become.

OK, enough medical stuff. Let me shift gears and visit with you about how this works in another dimension of life. How aware are you of the presence of the Holy Spirit within you? If you are a Christian, God the Holy Spirit lives inside of you and God's Spirit is one with your spirit. He, the Holy Spirit, is your friend, your guide, your strength, your guarantee that you are right with God. He is your comforter, your counselor and your peace. He not only convicts you of sin but he convicts you that you are God's dearly loved child. He cries within your heart, "Abba Father". He prays for you, gifts you with spiritual gifts and encourages you during difficult times. How often during your day do you take pause and think, "I am the temple of the Holy Spirit"?

Listen, the Spirit of the Lord Jesus is within you. The same Spirit that had the power to raise Jesus dead body to life lives within you. Wouldn't you agree that this is a condition that is worth thinking about now and then? Why not say right now "I am full of the Holy Spirit".

You see, the more aware you are of His presence, the more intensely He works within you. The more your mind acknowledges your known condition of being a host for the Holy Spirit, the more importance and strength He has in your life. The more you practice His presence, musing on the mystery of His life with you, the more you find yourself living more freely from anger, anxiety, fear, lust, jealousy and other besetting negative emotions and actions.

I am learning that as I swing my legs out of bed and wonder if I still have this unknown medical condition that makes me feel sick, I am more quickly taking that thought captive as I direct my thoughts to my known condition. I am a Holy Spirit filled man.